Blue Line Project Hawaii
The Blue Line Project is a visual demonstration of inundation caused by a rise in sea level. Students from schools statewide will be drawing a blue chalk line that indicates the high tide level with a one meter of sea level rise. The purpose of the Blue Line Project is to highlight Hawaii’s vulnerability to climate change while nations begin negotiations on a new international agreement to rein in the greenhouse gas emissions responsible for climate change. The maps showing the likely extent of flooding in Hawaii are being developed by coastal experts from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
People from around the world will be taking action on October 24 through various visibility activities to help capture the attention of the media and global leaders regarding the importance of 350 ppm as a target for the emissions reductions talks and the anticipated international treaty occurring in Copenhagen this December.
350 represents a “safe” target for the amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere in parts per million (ppm). About a year ago, a climate experts suggested that if we let the amount of carbon in the atmosphere top 350 parts per million, we will no longer have a planet “similar to the one on which civilization developed and to which life on earth is adapted.”
This means if we remain above 350 ppm it won’t take long for our climate to no longer be hospitable for people. That says nothing about the effects on marine and coastal life.
Our atmosphere is currently at 390 ppm and rising fast. The effects of this on our natural climate system are evident though hotter temperatures, rising sea level, shifting rainfall patterns, stronger storm events, ocean acidification, among other impacts. 350 represents a clear, definite target that the whole world can aim for in order to stop climate change.
Join the Blue Line Project nearest you and have some fun while you take a stand for a safe climate future. Check-in is by 10:30 am Saturday, October 24th at Hanalei, Kapaa, or Waimea with more information and exact locations found on bluelineproject.org.
